WO2013125128A1

WO2013125128A1 - Electronic apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2013125128A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/081615
Authority: WO
Inventors: 冨井宏美; 山本彩恭子; 松村光子; 鮫島冴映子; 中村弥恵; 関口政一
Original assignee: 株式会社ニコン
Priority date: 2012-02-22
Filing date: 2012-12-06
Publication date: 2013-08-29
Also published as: EP2819069A4; EP2819069A1; US20150018979A1; CN104137142A; JPWO2013125128A1

Abstract

In order to acquire suitable information related to an apparatus, this electronic apparatus is provided with: a first acquisition unit (70) which acquires usage status for a first apparatus (10) which belongs to a predetermined category; and a second acquisition unit (72) which, on the basis of the usage status for the first apparatus acquired by the first acquisition unit, acquires information for a second apparatus which is different from the first apparatus, and which belongs to the aforementioned predetermined category.

Description

Electronics

The present invention relates to an electronic device.

Conventionally, it has been proposed to perform performance deterioration prediction and failure prediction of electronic devices such as home appliances (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-70699 A

However, home appliances will eventually have to be replaced, and they are often purchased urgently when they break down. In this case, the purchaser often purchases home appliances with insufficient information on the home appliances.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic device capable of acquiring appropriate information regarding the device.

The electronic device of the present invention includes a first acquisition unit that acquires a usage status of a first device belonging to a predetermined category, and the predetermined category based on the usage status of the first device acquired by the first acquisition unit. And a second acquisition unit that acquires information on a second device different from the first device.

In this case, the first acquisition unit may acquire information on a location where the first device is installed as a usage status of the first device. In addition, the first acquisition unit may acquire information related to a size of a place where the first device is installed as a usage status of the first device. In addition, the first acquisition unit may acquire information regarding the amount of heat at a place where the first device is installed as a usage status of the first device.

In the electronic device of the present invention, the first acquisition unit may acquire the usage frequency of the first device as the usage status of the first device. The first acquisition unit may acquire the specification of the first device.

In the electronic device of the present invention, the second acquisition unit may acquire the specification of the second device. The second acquisition unit may acquire a word-of-mouth regarding the predetermined category. Moreover, you may provide the control part which controls the timing which acquires the information of the said 2nd apparatus by the said 2nd acquisition part. In this case, the control unit may control the timing based on a physical change of the first device.

Moreover, the electronic device of the present invention may include a display unit that displays information on the second device acquired by the second acquisition unit. The electronic device of the present invention may be built in the first device.

Moreover, in the electronic device of the present invention, the first acquisition unit may acquire a time zone in which the first device is used as a usage status of the first device. Moreover, the electronic device of this invention may be provided with the 3rd acquisition part which acquires a user's lifestyle change. Moreover, the electronic device of this invention may be provided with the communication part which transmits the information which the said 2nd acquisition part acquired to the external device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic device capable of acquiring appropriate information regarding the device.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the apparatus information provision system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2A is a block diagram of the air conditioner of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the air conditioner viewed from the front. It is a hardware block diagram of the control apparatus of Fig.2 (a). It is a functional block diagram of the control apparatus of Fig.2 (a). It is a figure which shows use log | history DB. FIG. 6A shows the room DB, and FIG. 6B shows the device DB. It is a flowchart which shows a series of processes of a control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the specific process of step S14 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the apparatus information provision system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows a washing machine. It is a functional block diagram of the control apparatus of FIG. 12A is a diagram showing the usage history DB of FIG. 11, FIG. 12B is a diagram showing the dirt removal DB of FIG. 11, and FIG. 12C is the device DB of FIG. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the apparatus information provision system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the apparatus information provision system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the apparatus information provision system which concerns on a modification.

<< First Embodiment >>
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described in detail based on FIG. 1 to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the device information providing system 100 according to the first embodiment. The device information providing system 100 is a system for notifying a person who uses the air conditioner 10 of the time for replacement of the air conditioner 10 or information on a new product to be considered at the time of replacement.

The device information providing system 100 includes an air conditioner 10, a user terminal 20, and an external information source 30, as shown in FIG. The air conditioner 10, the user terminal 20, and the external information source 30 are connected to a network 80 such as the Internet.

The air conditioner 10 is a device installed in a home (such as a living room) and has air conditioning functions such as heating, cooling, and dehumidification. The specific configuration of the air conditioner 10 will be described later.

The user terminal 20 is a terminal such as a mobile phone, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. It is assumed that the user terminal 20 has a function of displaying information transmitted from the air conditioner 10 (information regarding replacement by purchase).

Suppose that the external information source 30 is, for example, a server that stores information on a mass retailer that sells air conditioners, a server of a company that manufactures air conditioners, and a server that operates a blog. The external information source 30 provides information about the model of the air conditioner (model number, useful life and durability, dimensions, functions, etc.) and reviews about the air conditioner.

Next, a specific configuration of the air conditioner 10 will be described. FIG. 2A shows a block diagram of the air conditioner 10, and FIG. 2B shows a state of the air conditioner 10 viewed from the front.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the air conditioner 10 includes an air conditioner function unit 60, a room temperature sensor 42, an outside air temperature sensor 44, a number counter 46, a time counter 48, an infrared camera 50, and an odor sensor 52. , A communication unit 54, a display unit 56, and a control device 40.

The air conditioner function unit 60 implements the functions (heating, cooling, dehumidification, etc.) that a general air conditioner normally has under the instruction of the control device 40. For example, the air conditioner function unit 60 sends hot air or cold air into the room so that the room temperature becomes a temperature set by the user. In addition, the air conditioner function unit 60 performs dehumidification so that the humidity in the room becomes the humidity set by the user.

The room temperature sensor 42 is a sensor that measures the temperature in the room provided inside or outside the air conditioner 10, for example, as shown in FIG. When the air conditioner function unit 60 has the same function as the room temperature sensor 42, the room temperature sensor 42 is not provided, and the room temperature is measured using the function of the air conditioner function unit 60. Also good. The outside air temperature sensor 44 is a sensor that is provided in, for example, an outdoor unit and measures the outdoor temperature.

The number counter 46 counts the number of operations of the air conditioner 10 after shipment from the factory. The time counter 48 counts the time until the air conditioner 10 is turned off after the power source of the air conditioner 10 is turned on, and the time until the room temperature reaches the set temperature.

The infrared camera 50 is provided in the vicinity of the air outlet of the air conditioner 10 as shown in FIG. This infrared camera 50 images the room in which the air conditioner 10 is installed. Note that the temperature distribution in the room can be seen from the image captured by the infrared camera 50.

The odor sensor 52 is installed in the vicinity of the filter of the air conditioner 10 as shown in FIG. As the odor sensor 52, a high-sensitivity indium oxide-based hot-wire sintered semiconductor sensor or the like can be used. The odor sensor 52 can measure, for example, the degree of odor (odor level) in the range of 0 (no odor) to 2000 (strong odor). In addition, by installing the odor sensor 52 in the vicinity of the filter, it is possible to detect the odor level according to the propagation state of the mold in the filter.

The communication unit 54 exchanges information with the user terminal 20 and the external information source 30 via the network 80.

The display unit 56 includes a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL display, etc., and displays the operating status of the air conditioner function unit 60 and various messages regarding replacement.

The control device 40 controls each part of the air conditioner 10 in an integrated manner. As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 40 includes a CPU 90, a ROM 92, a RAM 94, a storage unit (here, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory) 96, and the like. Each component of the control device 40 is connected to the bus 98. In the control device 40, the functions of the data acquisition unit 70, the data analysis unit 72, and the external information acquisition unit 74 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 also shows various DBs (databases) stored in the storage unit 96.

The data acquisition unit 70 acquires data from

various sensors

42, 44, 52 and

various counters

46, 48 provided in the air conditioner 10 and registers them in the usage history DB 82.

Suppose that the usage history DB 82 has a data structure as shown in FIG. 5 as an example. Specifically, the use history DB 82 includes fields for date, mode, number of uses, use time, room temperature at the start of use, outside air temperature at the start of use, set temperature, time until set temperature, and odor level. The date of use of the air conditioner 10 is entered in the date field. In the mode field, operation modes such as heating, cooling, and dehumidification are input. In the use count field, the number of times the air conditioner 10 has been operated since shipment from the factory (a value counted by the count counter 46) is input. In the use time field, a time from the start to the end of the operation of the air conditioner 10 (a value counted by the time counter 48) is input. In the field of room temperature at the start of use, the room temperature (value measured by the room temperature sensor 42) when the air conditioner 10 starts operation is input. In the field of the outside air temperature at the start of use, the outside air temperature (value measured by the outside air temperature sensor 44) at the time when the air conditioner 10 starts operation is input. A set temperature set in the air conditioner 10 (set by the user) is input to the set temperature field. The time required to reach the set temperature from the start of operation (the value counted by the time counter 48) is input in the field for the time until the set temperature is reached. An odor level (a value measured by the odor sensor 52) near the filter of the air conditioner 10 is input to the odor level field.

4, the data analysis unit 72 analyzes the data in the usage history DB 82 and the imaging result of the infrared camera 50, and creates the room DB 84. In addition, the data analysis unit 72 analyzes the data in the usage history DB 82 and the data in the device DB 86 to determine whether it is time to replace the air conditioner 10. Further, the data analysis unit 72 analyzes the information acquired by the external information acquisition unit 74, the use history DB 82, and the room DB 84, and extracts a product (recommended product) suitable for the user from the new products. Note that the data analysis unit 72 displays the information on the display unit 56 or transmits the information to the user terminal 20 via the communication unit 54 when it is determined that it is time for replacement or when a recommended product is extracted.

Here, as shown in FIG. 6A, the room DB 84 has fields for the size of the room, the number of heat generation sources, and the total heat generation amount. In the room size field, the room size estimated by the data analysis unit 72 based on the time taken to reach the set temperature measured at the time of installation of the air conditioner 10 and the capacity of the air conditioner 10 is displayed. The size (area) of is input. The volume may be input as the size of the room. In the field of the number of heat generation sources, the number of heat generation sources (objects having a predetermined temperature or higher) detected by the data analysis unit 72 based on an image captured by the infrared camera 50 is input. In the total heat generation amount field, the total heat generation amount of the heat generation source calculated by the data analysis unit 72 based on the temperature of each heat generation source is input. Note that the fields of the number of heat generation sources and the total heat generation amount are updated every predetermined time (for example, one month). Even if the size of the room is fixed, the frequency of opening and closing of the door of the room and the change of the heat source (if the calorific value decreases due to replacement of electric appliances such as personal computers and TVs, marriage or childbirth) Since the user's lifestyle changes depending on the season, etc., when the family increases and the amount of heat generated increases, the room DB 84 is updated at a rate of about once a month, for example, and a log of lifestyle changes You may make it take.

The external information acquisition unit 74 acquires the information (catalog value) of the air conditioner 10 from the external information source 30 and stores it in the device DB 86 or acquires the information of the air conditioner (new model) sold from the external information source 30. Then, it is transmitted to the data analysis unit 72.

Here, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the device DB 86 has fields of the service life and the durability time. Note that if the information to be input in these fields does not exist in the external information source 30, it is empty (no information). In addition, the value of the service life and the endurance time may be input to the device DB 86 from the time of shipment.

Next, a series of processing of the control device 40 will be described in detail along the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a specific process of step S14 in the flowchart of FIG.

In the process of FIG. 7, first, in step S10, the data acquisition unit 70 waits until the air conditioner 10 starts operation. That is, at the stage where the operation is started in the air conditioner function unit 60, the data acquisition unit 70 proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the data acquisition unit 70 appropriately acquires data from the

various sensors

42, 44, 52 and the

various counters

46, 48, and registers the data in the usage history DB 82. The data acquisition unit 70 acquires and registers data so that one row (record) of the usage history DB 82 is filled until the air conditioner 10 starts operation and ends.

Next, in step S14, the data analysis unit 72 executes a replacement time determination subroutine. In this replacement time determination subroutine, the data analysis unit 72 executes processing in accordance with the flowchart of FIG.

8, first, in step S40, the data analysis unit 72 extracts the product status of the air conditioner 10 from the usage history DB 82. For example, the data analysis unit 72 extracts all data in the usage history DB 82 of FIG.

Next, in step S42, the data analysis unit 72 determines whether or not data (at least one of useful life and endurance time) exists in the device DB 86. If the determination here is affirmed, the data analysis unit 72 proceeds to step S44.

When the process proceeds to step S44, the data analysis unit 72 determines whether the service life of the air conditioner 10 is equal to or greater than the service life of the device DB 86. Note that if there is no data in the service life of the device DB 86 (if there is data only for the endurance time), the determination in step S44 is denied. Further, the years of use of the air conditioner 10 can be obtained from the difference between the date of the data on the bottom row and the date of the data on the top row of the usage history DB 82.

If the determination in step S44 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S50, and the data analysis unit 72 determines that it is time for replacement. On the other hand, if the determination in step S44 is negative, the process proceeds to step S46.

In step S46, the data analysis unit 72 determines whether the total usage time of the air conditioner 10 is equal to or longer than the durability time of the device DB 86. Note that if there is no data in the durability time of the device DB 86 (if there is data only for the service life), the determination in step S46 is denied. The total usage time of the air conditioner 10 can be obtained by summing up the usage times of all data in the usage history DB 82.

If the determination in step S46 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S50, and the data analysis unit 72 determines that it is time for replacement. On the other hand, if the determination in step S46 is negative, the process proceeds to step S48, and the data analysis unit 72 determines that it is not the replacement time. That is, when the air conditioner 10 exceeds at least one of the service life (catalog value) and the endurance time (catalog value), the data analysis unit 72 determines that it is a replacement time, and if both do not exceed, It is determined that it is not time for replacement. As described above, after the process of either step S48 or step S50 is executed, the entire process of FIG. 8 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S16 of FIG.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S42 is negative, that is, if neither the service life nor the endurance data exists in the device DB 86, the process proceeds to step S52.

In step S52, the data analysis unit 72 extracts the initial state and the current state of the product. In this case, the top row data and the bottom row data of the usage history DB 82 are extracted. Next, in step S54, the data analysis unit 72 compares the initial state (top row data) with the current state (bottom row data). In this process, for example, the data analysis unit 72 compares the time until the set temperature is reached in the initial state and the current state.

Next, in step S56, the data analysis unit 72 determines whether or not the current state is a predetermined number of times (for example, 5 times) or more of the initial state. When the determination here is affirmative, that is, for example, when the time to reach the set temperature in the initial state is 5 minutes, and the time to reach the set temperature in the current state is 30 minutes, which is 5 times or more In step S50, the data analysis unit 72 determines the replacement time. On the other hand, if the determination in step S56 is negative, the process proceeds to step S58, and the data analysis unit 72 determines that it is not the replacement time. As described above, after the process of either step S50 or step S58 is executed, the entire process of FIG. 8 is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S16 of FIG.

Returning to FIG. 7, when the process proceeds to step S <b> 16, the data analysis unit 72 determines whether or not it is determined that it is a replacement time in step S <b> 14. If the determination here is negative, that is, if step S48 or step S58 of FIG. 8 is passed, the process proceeds to step S18.

When the process proceeds to step S18, the data analysis unit 72 determines whether it is necessary to deal with parts. In this case, for example, the data analysis unit 72 determines whether the filter needs to be cleaned based on whether or not the latest data on the odor level in the usage history DB 82 exceeds a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the data analysis unit 72 determines whether the filter needs to be cleaned based on, for example, whether the latest odor level data is a predetermined number of times or more of the initial data.

If the determination in step S18 is negative, the process returns to step S10. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S20. In step S <b> 20, the data analysis unit 72 displays a component correspondence message (for example, a message such as “Please clean the filter”) via the display unit 56. Note that the data analysis unit 72 may transmit the component correspondence message to the user terminal 20 together with or instead of the display on the display unit 56. Thereby, the user can confirm the component correspondence message on the screen of the user terminal 20. After the process of step S20 is performed as described above, the process returns to step S10. When a component-compatible lamp such as an LED is provided as the display unit 56 of the air conditioner 10, the component-compatible message may be displayed by turning on or off the component-compatible lamp.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S16 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S22, and the data analysis unit 72 displays a product exchange message via the display unit 56. In this case, the data analysis unit 72 displays a product exchange message such as “Please replace your purchase” via the display unit 56. The data analysis unit 72 may transmit a product exchange message to the user terminal 20 together with or instead of the display on the display unit 56. Thereby, the user can confirm the product exchange message on the screen of the user terminal 20. If a product replacement lamp such as an LED is provided as the display unit 56 of the air conditioner 10, the product replacement message may be displayed by turning on or off the product replacement lamp.

Next, in step S24, the data analysis unit 72 acquires and analyzes all data in the usage history DB 82 as the usage state of the air conditioner 10. In this case, the data analysis unit 72 analyzes which mode of cooling, heating, and dehumidification is used. In the usage history DB 82, when more detailed modes such as a high power mode and a light breeze mode are recorded as modes, it is analyzed that which of these detailed modes is used more frequently. Also good.

Next, in step S26, the data analysis unit 72 collects the functions of the sales product (new product) via the external information acquisition unit 74. In this case, the functions such as what mode the sales product has and the size of the corresponding room are collected.

Next, in step S28, the data analysis unit 72 compares the analysis result in step S24 with the collection result in step S26. In this case, the data analysis unit 72 detects a product whose performance in the frequently used mode is further improved by comparison. Whether or not the mode performance has been improved is obtained by comparing the specifications of the currently used air conditioner 10 with the specifications of the product for sale from the external information source 30. Then, when a product with improved performance is detected, the data analysis unit 72 sets the product as a recommended product. On the other hand, if there is no product with improved performance, the successor model of the product currently in use is recommended. Whether or not it is a successor model may be determined based on the degree of matching of the model numbers. When the data analysis unit 72 can determine that an air conditioner with higher performance than the current air conditioner is better based on the size of the room, the number of heat sources, and the total heat generation amount registered in the room DB 84. The recommended product may be a product with higher specifications than the current product. In this case as well, if the data in the latest room DB 84 is emphasized, product information suitable for the latest lifestyle can be obtained, and the case where the size of the room changes due to moving, etc. is also supported. can do.

Next, in step S30, the data analysis unit 72 displays recommended products via the display unit 56. Note that the data analysis unit 72 may transmit recommended product information to the user terminal 20 together with or instead of the display on the display unit 56. Thereby, the user can confirm the recommended product on the screen of the user terminal 20. In addition, as information on recommended products, for example, information posted on a site when a manufacturer announces a new product can be displayed. Also, as recommended product information, word-of-mouth information on recommended products obtained by a search using a model number on a blog or Twitter may be displayed. In this case, by referring to the word-of-mouth information, the user can determine the air conditioner to be purchased in consideration of the impression of the person who actually used the recommended product.

After step S30, the process returns to step S10. Note that the processing of FIG. 7 may be temporarily ended after the processing of step S30 is performed.

As described above in detail, according to the first embodiment, the data acquisition unit 70 acquires the usage status of the air conditioner 10 (S12), and based on the usage status, the data analysis unit 72 performs external processing. Since the air conditioner information different from the air conditioner 10 is acquired via the information acquisition unit 74 (S26), the data analysis unit 72 provides the user with new air conditioner information according to the usage status of the air conditioner 10 by the user. It becomes possible. As a result, even when the air conditioner is suddenly replaced, it is possible to provide information on the air conditioner suitable for the user based on the current use condition of the air conditioner.

In the first embodiment, since the data acquisition unit 70 acquires the size of the room in which the air conditioner 10 is installed as the usage status of the air conditioner 10, information on the air conditioner suitable for the size of the room is obtained. Can be provided to the user.

Further, in the first embodiment, the data acquisition unit 70 acquires the number of heat sources and the amount of heat generated in the place where the air conditioner 10 is installed as the usage status of the air conditioner 10, and thus occurs in the room. Information on recommended products can be provided to users in consideration of heat.

In the first embodiment, since the data acquisition unit 70 acquires the usage frequency of each mode of the air conditioner 10 as the usage status of the air conditioner 10, the recommended product information is sent to the user according to the user's purpose of use. Can be provided.

In the first embodiment, the data analysis unit 72 determines the timing for acquiring new air conditioner information based on the physical change of the air conditioner (air conditioner performance degradation) (S16). Thus, the recommended product information can be provided to the user.

In the first embodiment, the recommended product information can be displayed on the display unit 56 provided in the air conditioner 10, so even if the user does not have the user terminal 20, Information on recommended products can be provided.

In the first embodiment, the user is notified of recommended product information when replacement time comes. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and there is a new product with improved performance of frequently used functions. When it is determined that the product has been released, the product information may be notified to the user as recommended product information.

In the first embodiment, either the sensor or the camera shown in FIG. 2A may not be used depending on the replacement timing and the recommended product determination method. In such a case, sensors and cameras that are not used may not be installed in the air conditioner.

The use history DB 82 described in the first embodiment and the various sensors included in the air conditioner 10 are examples. That is, the usage history of the air conditioner 10 may be acquired using other sensors. For example, the condition of an air conditioner or a room may be detected using a hygrometer, a vibration sensor, a noise sensor, or the like.

In addition, although the said 1st Embodiment demonstrated the case where the air conditioner 10, the user terminal 20, and the external information source 30 were connected to the same network 80, it is not restricted to this. The network to which the air conditioner 10 and the user terminal 20 are connected and the network to which the air conditioner 10 and the external information source 30 are connected may be different networks. In this case, the air conditioner 10 and the user terminal 20 may be connected with various connection standards such as wireless / wired LAN, USB, HDMI, Bluetooth (registered trademark).

<< Second Embodiment >>
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The device information providing system of the second embodiment includes a washing machine 110 (see FIG. 10) instead of the air conditioner 10 of FIG. In addition, the other structure of FIG. 1 is the same.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of the washing machine 110. As shown in FIG. 9, the washing machine 110 includes a washing machine function unit 160, a vibration sensor 142, a tag reader 144, a scanning unit 146, a number counter 148, a time counter 149, a weight sensor 150, and a flow sensor. 152, an odor sensor 154, a communication unit 156, a display unit 158, and a control device 140.

The washing machine function unit 160 realizes the functions (washing, drying, sterilization, etc.) that a general washing machine normally has under the instruction of the control device 140.

As shown in FIG. 10, the vibration sensor 142 is provided in a part of the washing machine 110 and detects the vibration of the washing machine 110. As the vibration sensor, an impact sensor, a strain sensor, or the like can be used.

The tag reader 144 is provided in the vicinity of the washing tub in front of the washing machine 110 as shown in FIG. The tag reader 144 is a device that reads information on clothes to be washed from a tag provided on the clothes. As a tag, a barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), an IC tag, or the like can be used.

The scanning unit 146 is provided in the vicinity of the washing tub in front of the washing machine 110 as shown in FIG. The scanning unit 146 includes a camera that captures an image of a soiled portion of clothing. Note that the scanning unit 146 images the state before washing and the state after selection of the soiled portion of the clothing.

The number counter 148 counts the total number of operations (uses) after the washing machine 110 is shipped from the factory. The time counter 149 counts the time spent for one operation by the washing machine 110.

As shown in FIG. 10, the weight sensor 150 is provided in the vicinity of the washing tub, and detects the weight of clothes or the like put in the washing tub. As shown in FIG. 10, the flow sensor 152 is provided inside the drain pipe, and detects the amount of water used in one operation (such as washing). The odor sensor 154 is optimally installed in the washing tub, but in the second embodiment, the odor sensor 154 is provided in a gap between the inner wall of the washing machine and the outer periphery of the washing tub in consideration of the effect of water wetting. ing. The odor sensor 154 is assumed to be the same sensor as the odor sensor 52 described in the first embodiment.

The communication unit 156 is the same as the communication unit 54 described in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the display unit 158 is provided on the upper surface of the washing machine 110.

The control device 140 controls each part of the washing machine 110 in an integrated manner. FIG. 11 shows a functional block diagram of the control device 140. As shown in FIG. 11, the control device 140 has functions as a data acquisition unit 170, a data analysis unit 172, and an external information acquisition unit 174. In addition, the control device 140 includes a usage history DB 182, a stain removal DB 184, and a device DB 186.

The data acquisition unit 170 acquires data from

various sensors

142, 150, 152, 154,

various counters

148, 149, a tag reader 144, and a scanning unit 146 provided in the washing machine 110, and registers them in the use history DB 182 and the stain removal DB 184. To do.

The data analysis unit 172 analyzes the data in the usage history DB 182 and the dirt removal DB 184 and determines whether it is time to replace the washing machine 110. Further, the data analysis unit 172 analyzes the information acquired by the external information acquisition unit 174, the use history DB 182 and the stain removal DB 184, and extracts a product (recommended product) suitable for the user from the new products. Note that the data analysis unit 172 displays the information on the display unit 158 or transmits the information to the user terminal 20 via the communication unit 156 when it is determined that it is time for replacement or when a recommended product is extracted.

The external information acquisition unit 174 acquires information (catalog value) of the washing machine 110 from the external information source 30 and stores it in the device DB 186, acquires information on a new model, and transmits it to the data analysis unit 172. To do.

The usage history DB 182 has fields for date, mode, number of times of use, usage time, weight, amount of drainage, maximum vibration, and odor level, as shown in FIG. In the date field, the date used (washed) is entered. In addition, in addition to information such as a day of the week or a holiday, information on a time zone may be added to the date item. In the mode field, actually used modes such as washing, washing drying, drying, and sterilization are input. In the mode field, personal settings (number of times of washing, number of times of rinsing, dehydration time) may be input. In the use count field, the total use count after the washing machine 110 is shipped from the factory is input. The time spent for one use is entered in the use time field. In the weight field, the weight of clothes such as laundry (detected by the weight sensor 150) is input. In the drainage amount field, the amount of drainage (detected by the flow sensor 152) is input. In the maximum vibration field, the detection value of the vibration sensor 142 when the vibration becomes maximum during use is input. The odor level field (detected by the odor sensor 154) is input to the odor level field.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the stain removal DB 184 has fields for date, clothing ID, image before washing, image after washing, and degree of stain removal. Information read by the tag reader 144 is input to the clothing ID field. In the field of the image before washing, an image taken by the scanning unit 146 before washing (an image taken immediately after the tag reader 144 reads the clothing ID) is input. An image captured by the scan unit 146 after the laundry (an image captured immediately after the tag reader 144 reads the clothing ID) is input to the field of the image after the laundry. In the dirt removal degree field, the rank (for example, five levels of A (good) to E (bad)) judged by the data analysis unit 172 based on the images before and after washing is input.

The equipment DB 186 has fields of useful life and durability as shown in FIG. The device DB 186 is the same as that in the first embodiment. It should be noted that the service life and endurance time values may be input to the device DB 186 from the time of shipment.

The control device 140 according to the second embodiment executes the processes shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 described in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the processing of the control device 140 will be described focusing on processing different from the first embodiment.

In FIG. 7, when the washing machine is turned on (step S10: affirmative), in step S12, the data acquisition unit 170 performs data registration. In addition, when washing, a user holds a dirty clothing tag over the tag reader 144 and scans (captures) the dirty portion with the scanning unit 146. In addition, after the washing is finished, the user holds the clothes tag scanned before washing over the tag reader 144 and scans (captures) the dirty portion with the scanning unit 146. Therefore, the data acquisition unit 170 acquires the clothing ID read by the tag reader 144 and the image captured by the scanning unit 146 while these user actions are performed, and stores them in the stain removal DB 184. Further, the data acquisition unit 170 acquires data detected by various sensors during washing and stores the data in the use history DB 182. Note that the scanning unit 146 may take an image of both a place with dirt and a place with little dirt, and take a correlation between them.

In the process of step S14 (determination of replacement time), when the process proceeds to step S52 in FIG. 8, the data analysis unit 172 extracts the degree of dirt removal and the maximum vibration as the initial state and the current state of the product. In step S56, the data analysis unit 172 determines whether the degree of dirt removal has dropped by a predetermined level or more, or whether the maximum vibration has increased by a predetermined number or more during the transition from the initial state to the current state. . By making such a determination, it is possible to determine whether or not it is time for replacement by purchase based on the fact that the removal of dirt has deteriorated or the vibration has increased (performance deterioration of the washing machine 110).

Returning to FIG. 7, when the determination in step S16 is negative and the process proceeds to step S18, the data analysis unit 172 determines whether or not component handling is necessary based on, for example, a change in odor level. If the determination in step S18 is affirmative, in step S20, a message such as “Please wash the washing tub” is notified to the user as a part correspondence message.

On the other hand, when the determination in step S16 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step S24 via step S22, the data analysis unit 172 acquires the use frequency, weight, and drainage data of the washing machine mode as the use state. In step S28, the data analysis unit 172 determines a recommended product based on which mode is frequently used, how much the weight of clothes averages, how much the amount of drainage averages, and the like. To do.

When determining recommended products, the number of washings per day, the frequency of washing per week, etc. may be taken into consideration. In this case, it is currently used by users who have a large number of washings a day, users who do not wash frequently in a week, but have a large amount of washing on weekends and holidays, or users who do multiple washings. You may make it recommend a washing machine larger than the washing machine which exists. In addition, since it becomes a problem whether or not a washing machine having a larger capacity than the current one can be installed at the current position, the size information of the washing machine currently used is acquired from the external information source 30, and the size is obtained. A recommended washing machine may be determined in consideration of the information. Further, if the user has a lot of important clothes and reduces the amount of washing at one time and performs washing several times, a washing machine having a smaller capacity than the present may be recommended. In addition, if it can be determined from the use history DB 182 that the user is performing laundry at night (particularly at midnight) or early in the morning, a silent type washing machine with less vibration and generated sound may be recommended. In addition, when recommending a product different from the washing machine currently used, it is good also as notifying a user of the reason to recommend with the information of a product.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the data analysis unit 172 provides information on a new washing machine according to the usage state of the washing machine 110 by the user. Can be provided. As a result, information on the washing machine suitable for the user can be provided based on the frequently used mode or the like even when the washing machine is suddenly replaced.

In the determination of the replacement time, it may be determined whether or not the replacement time has arrived based on the number of occurrences (occurrence frequency) of errors in the washing machine 110.

In the second embodiment, depending on the replacement timing and the recommended product determination method, any of the configurations in FIG. 9 may not be used. In such a case, a configuration that is not used may not be installed in the washing machine 110.

<< Third Embodiment >>
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The apparatus information providing system of the third embodiment is assumed to include a refrigerator 210 instead of the air conditioner 10 of FIG. In addition, the other structure of FIG. 1 is the same.

FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of the refrigerator 210. As shown in FIG. 13, the refrigerator 210 includes a refrigerator function unit 260, a noise sensor 242, a temperature sensor 244, a weight sensor 246, a small camera 248, a number counter 250, a time counter 252, and a communication unit 254. And a display unit 256 and a control device 240.

The refrigerator function unit 260 implements functions (such as a refrigerator room, a freezer room, a vegetable room, and a chilled room) that a general refrigerator normally has under the instruction of the control device 240.

The noise sensor 242 is a sensor that detects noise generated by the refrigerator 210. The temperature sensor 244 is a sensor that detects the temperature in the refrigerator 210. A plurality of temperature sensors 244 may be provided corresponding to a plurality of regions in the refrigerator 210.

The weight sensor 246 is provided for each of a plurality of regions (regions such as a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment) in the refrigerator 210, and detects the weight of the food stored in each region. The small camera 248 is a camera that images how much food is stored in which region in the refrigerator 210.

The number counter 250 counts the number of times the door of each room is opened and closed. The time counter 252 counts the time required to return to the set temperature when the temperature in the refrigerator 210 rises due to the door being opened.

The communication unit 254 is the same as the

communication units

54 and 156 described in the first and second embodiments. The display unit 256 is provided on the door of the refrigerator 210 or the like.

The control device 240 comprehensively controls each part of the refrigerator 210. The control device 240 executes the processing in FIGS. 7 and 8 in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments described above (however, step S10 in FIG. 7 is, for example, whether or not the refrigerator door is opened or closed). ).

In this case, the control device 240 determines the replacement time of the refrigerator 210 based on the level of noise, the cooling capacity in the refrigerator 210 (time until returning to the set temperature), and the like. In addition, when it is time for replacement, the control device 240 sends recommended product information to the user based on the past usage history (frequency of use of each room (number of times of opening and closing the door), food storage rate, etc.). provide. In addition, when determining a recommended product, it is good also considering the size of the present refrigerator.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with new refrigerator information corresponding to the usage status of the refrigerator 210 by the user. Thereby, the information of the refrigerator suitable for a user can be provided even at the time of sudden replacement of the refrigerator.

<< Fourth Embodiment >>
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. It is assumed that the device information providing system of the fourth embodiment includes a television 310 instead of the air conditioner 10 of FIG. In addition, the other structure of FIG. 1 is the same.

FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of the television 310. As shown in FIG. 14, the television 310 includes a television function unit 360, a scanning unit 342, a microphone 344, a number counter 346, a time counter 348, a communication unit 354, a display unit 356, and a control device 340. .

The TV function unit 360 realizes functions (terrestrial digital, BS, CS, external input, etc.) that a general refrigerator normally has under the instruction of the control device 340. In addition, the television function unit 360 outputs a test signal (sound) or displays a test image when the power is turned on or off under the instruction of the control device 340.

The scan unit 342 scans the test image displayed by the television function unit 360. The microphone 344 collects the test signal output from the television function unit 360. The communication unit 354 is the same as the

communication units

54, 156, and 254 of the first to third embodiments.

The number counter 346 counts the number of times the TV is used. The time counter 348 counts the usage time of the television.

The control device 340 controls each part of the television 310 in an integrated manner. In addition, the control device 340 acquires a difference between the pixel level of the image scanned by the scanning unit 342 and the pixel level of the reference test image. In addition, the control device 340 acquires the noise level from the difference between the test signal collected by the microphone 344 and the reference test signal.

Further, the control device 340 executes the processes of FIGS. 7 and 8 in the same manner as in the first to third embodiments described above. In this case, the control device 340 determines the replacement time of the television 310 based on the difference between the noise level and the pixel level. Alternatively, the control device 340 determines the replacement time of the television 310 based on the number of times and the usage time of the television. In addition, when the replacement time comes, the control device 340 displays recommended product information based on the past use history (such as whether external input is frequently used or 3D display is frequently used). Provide to users. In determining the recommended product, the current size of the television may be taken into consideration. Further, an illuminometer may be provided in the television 310, the brightness of the room when the user views the television may be measured, and the optimum television may be determined as a recommended product based on the brightness. It should be noted that information on the time for replacement by purchase or recommended products may be displayed on the screen of the television 310 or the screen of the user terminal 20.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, as in the first to third embodiments, the control device 340 transmits new television information according to the usage status of the television 310 by the user. Can be provided. This makes it possible to provide TV information suitable for the user even when the TV is suddenly replaced.

In the fourth embodiment, the scan unit 342 and the microphone 344 may be connected to the main body of the television 310 by wire or wirelessly. That is, the scan unit 342 and the microphone 344 may be fixed to the main body of the television 310 or may be provided at a position away from the main body of the television 310. In the fourth embodiment, the television 310 is provided with a timer that measures the time from when the television 310 is turned on until the program can be viewed, and the change in time measured by the timer is changed. Based on the above, it may be possible to determine the replacement time of the television 310. Moreover, it is good also as determining the replacement time of the television 310 based on the change of the heat generation method of the television 310. FIG.

The fourth embodiment can also be applied to cameras and video cameras other than televisions. In the case of a camera, a recommended product may be determined based on whether lens correction processing is frequently used. In the case of a video camera, a recommended product may be determined based on whether the telephoto mode is frequently used.

For cameras and video cameras, it is also possible to determine when to replace the battery. Specifically, the time required to fully charge the battery and the time until the fully charged battery runs out are acquired by the control device of the camera or video camera, and the replacement time of the battery is determined based on these times. to decide. Note that the battery may be charged while being removed from the camera or the video camera, or may be reused in a plurality of products. In order to cope with such a case, the time required until the battery is fully charged, the time until the battery is fully charged, the remaining battery level, etc. are stored in a small memory built in the battery. The control device may acquire the time from the memory.

In the first to fourth embodiments, an air conditioner, a washing machine, a refrigerator, a television, a camera, a video camera, and a battery are described as examples. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Various other devices (such as personal computers, printers, lighting devices, cooking devices such as microwave ovens, vehicles such as cars, manufacturing devices for industrial products, etc.) can be applied to the device information providing system. Each device described above may suddenly fail even within the service life or endurance time. Even in such a case, in the device information providing system 100 of the present embodiment, in addition to the option of repairing, the user's lifestyle (number of uses, increase in heat source, increase in family, etc.) is also included based on the usage status so far ) And product information that matches the usage conditions in the factory, the user can know product information suitable for himself even when each device suddenly fails.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the description has been given of the case where the control device provided in a device such as an air conditioner, a washing machine, a refrigerator, a television, a camera, or a video camera provides replacement time information and recommended product information. . However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a server 300 is provided on the network 80 as shown in FIG. 15, and the server 300 determines the replacement time of each device and recommended products, and displays these information on the display of each device. Or the user terminal 20 may be provided. In addition, the server 300 shall acquire the detection value of the sensor etc. which each apparatus has, and shall determine the replacement time of each apparatus, and a recommended product similarly to the control apparatus of said each embodiment based on this. In this case, for example, by detecting humans with the infrared camera 50 provided with the air conditioner 10, the increase or decrease of the family is detected, and the result is provided to each device. Can predict future usage. The infrared camera 50 may be provided separately from the air conditioner 10 and connected to the network 80. Similarly, the vibration sensor 142 may be provided separately from the washing machine 110 (provided in the vicinity of the washing machine 110) and connected to the network 80. In any case, a sensor that is not built in each device at the time of purchase may be provided at an appropriate position and connected to the network 80 later.

Note that, when using the server 300 as shown in FIG. 15, it may be found that the battery has a short holding time even though the battery has no change in the holding time in a certain product. In such a case, it may be determined that the product has deteriorated due to short battery life rather than battery deterioration, and it is determined that it is time to replace the product.

The embodiment described above is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Air conditioner 56 Display part 70 Data acquisition part 72 Data analysis part 110 Washing machine 158 Display part 170 Data acquisition part 172 Data analysis part 210 Refrigerator 256 Display part 310 Television

Claims

A first acquisition unit that acquires a usage status of a first device belonging to a predetermined category;
A second acquisition unit that acquires information on a second device that belongs to the predetermined category and is different from the first device, based on the usage status of the first device acquired by the first acquisition unit; An electronic device characterized by that.
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires information on a location where the first device is installed as a usage status of the first device.
The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires information on a size of a place where the first device is installed as a usage state of the first device.
The electronic device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires information on a heat amount of a place where the first device is installed as a usage state of the first device.
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires the usage frequency of the first device as a usage status of the first device.
6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires a specification of the first device.
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second acquisition unit acquires specifications of the second device.
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second acquisition unit acquires a word-of-mouth regarding the predetermined category.
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a control unit that controls a timing at which the second acquisition unit acquires information on the second device.
10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the control unit controls the timing based on a physical change of the first device.
11. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays information on the second device acquired by the second acquisition unit.
12. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is built in the first device.
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires a time zone in which the first device is used as a usage state of the first device. .
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a third acquisition unit that acquires a change in a lifestyle of the user.
15. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that transmits information acquired by the second acquisition unit to an external device.